For over two decades, Myanmar was considered to be an undemocratic country ruled by a dictatorial and corrupt military junta. The popular democratic leader, Aung San Suu Kyi, was placed under house arrest. Myanmar was shunned by the neighbouring countries and the democratic world.
During this time, the leader of Myanmar was Senior General Than Shwe, who was the supreme commander of the armed forces.
The political situation changed significantly in Myanmar since March 2011, when President Thein Sein came into power. My friend from Myanmar told me that many people were surprised that he implemented reforms and introduced democracy. Aung San Suu Kyi is now allowed to contest the next election. Furthermore, President Thein Sein and several members of his cabinet was regarded by the people to be free of corruption, and genuinely concerned about taking positive steps to improve the lives of the people.
What was more surprising, and is now being felt and realized by many people in Myanmar, was that the steps towards reform and democratic changes were planned by the former leader, Than Shwe. When he was in power, many people feared and perhaps hated him. It seemed that he might have a good leader after all.
Than Shwe supported Thein Sein's election as the President of Myanmar. In turn, Thein Sein has now earned the respect of the people of Myanmar and the democratic world through the positive leadership that he has provided.
This is the view of an insider of Myanmar. It development was a surprise to me, as I had not been following Myanmar closely. I wonder if other people, who knows the situation in Myanmar, can share their perspective?
During this time, the leader of Myanmar was Senior General Than Shwe, who was the supreme commander of the armed forces.
The political situation changed significantly in Myanmar since March 2011, when President Thein Sein came into power. My friend from Myanmar told me that many people were surprised that he implemented reforms and introduced democracy. Aung San Suu Kyi is now allowed to contest the next election. Furthermore, President Thein Sein and several members of his cabinet was regarded by the people to be free of corruption, and genuinely concerned about taking positive steps to improve the lives of the people.
What was more surprising, and is now being felt and realized by many people in Myanmar, was that the steps towards reform and democratic changes were planned by the former leader, Than Shwe. When he was in power, many people feared and perhaps hated him. It seemed that he might have a good leader after all.
Than Shwe supported Thein Sein's election as the President of Myanmar. In turn, Thein Sein has now earned the respect of the people of Myanmar and the democratic world through the positive leadership that he has provided.
This is the view of an insider of Myanmar. It development was a surprise to me, as I had not been following Myanmar closely. I wonder if other people, who knows the situation in Myanmar, can share their perspective?
FROM WIKIPEDIA
Senior General Than Shwe (born 3 February 1933) is a Burmese military leader and politician who was chairman of the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) from 1992 to 2011. During the period, he held key positions of power including commander-in-chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces and head of Union Solidarity and Development Association. In 2011, he officially resigned from his position as head of state, in favor of his hand-picked successor, Thein Sein.
Thein Sein (born 20 April 1945) is a Burmese politician and former military figure who has been president of Myanmar (Burma) since March 2011. Previously, he was Prime Minister from 2007 until 2011. He is generally considered to be a moderate and reformist in the new government.
6 comments:
Many Asian countries that were considered to be under harsh government control, such as Taiwan, Korea and Indonesia, have now become quite democratic and free. Even Malaysia has decided to abolish the Internal Security Act and have taken the step to be friendly towards Singapore.
Singapore is an enigma. Although PM Lee wanted to be more open, the fear among the people, of unfair persecution and repercussion, seems to be quite deep rooted. The culture in Singapore is now clearly "kiasi" - afraid of consequence.
I met many Singaporeans, and they always think about the "worse case scenario". This is why they dare not take risk.
Myanmar may soon be an example of democracy and freedom, leaving the people of Singapore in an embarrasing position of being least free and most afraid.
The word "Kiasi" applies both ways.
PAP is just as kiasi as the people.
So Tony Tan must desperately be voted President at all cost, and the relatives of top close civil servants must join PAP Govt, like Grace Fu, the daughter of LKY's PA Peter Fu, and Lim Peiling, the wife of PM Lee's PA. Must be all in the "family", this is the typical trait of being kiasi.
My apologies, I mean Tin Peiling.
Frankly speaking, dun really remember the names of rookie and semi rookie PAP MPs. Strangely, could remember all rookie opposition MPs, perhaps they are in a minority, or rather more outstanding in charisma.
For Singapore to play catch-up on advancing true democracy. First and foremost, the GRC(Group Representation Constituency) system must go. This PAP invented system not only create a lot of distortion for accurately reflecting people' views but also damage the goodwill and the accountability.
A good sufficient number of Singaporeans need to show strong interest to actively involve in POLITICS. We must learn to take a position and speak out fearlessly on issues affecting our well-beings. Nobody will grant us the 'RIGHT' automatically. Very often, we must fight to get it. In this respect, TKL contributes much in helping to raise the level of awareness.
I travel to China frequently. I was deeply impressed by a young successful entrepreneur on his views on the problems and challenges facing his country and the world. He summed it up - the final test for resolving them depends on 'the quality of the people'. That makes the difference.
Do not forget that many Singaporeans are involved with the Myamese economy
If you look closely.. a few layers deep, you can find lots of connections with our gah'men people, GLC... and associates.
They have always had trades with us.
Singapore will trade with anyone who has money to pay.. this defines our people and our gahmen.
Democracy? its just a concept.
So far, nobody confirm or challenge the statement that Myanmar is becoming more open and democratic.
The only possible negative comment is from "Anonymous of 7 January", but he seemed to be referring to the business connection between Singapore and Myanmar.
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